d be so, and
God permitted it, we dispute no more with him.' Hereupon the women,
particularly the old ones, set up a terrific howling; some young
fellows gazed at me with cruel, sanguinary looks; I was prepared for
all. 'Peace,' cried the old man, 'this man has not come under my roof
as a foe, but as one requiring assistance, who injures a hair of his
head, will have to answer for it to me!--We found you lifeless at our
door, we recognized you on the spot,' continued he turning to me; 'we
need only to have left you without assistance, and _we_ did not murder
you; but I have staunched the blood, you may return to-morrow to the
town, and I will take care that you shall be conveyed with all speed to
the nearest village in an easy manner, for when our companions arrive
in a mass, as it may happen to-morrow, I might not be able to protect
you any longer.' And so it happened. During the night some rebels, who
were seeking after me, were sent away even in the twilight of morning;
I was placed comfortably in a small vehicle and conveyed to the opening
of the valley from whence I could be carried in safety to the town."

"We may well be astonished at this false virtue," said the Intendant,
"but we must refuse it our consideration, for that will not be
necessary, if these unfortunate men remain faithful to the king and
obey his mandates."

The company was still sitting at desert and sipping choice wines, when,
suddenly, a great uproar was raised in the house, several men's
footsteps were heard hastening up the steps, the doors burst open and
in rushed the clergyman of St. Sulpice, pale, and trembling, followed
by a few citizens, and among these a young man who seemed quite beside
himself, "What is the matter?" demanded the Marshal in an authoritative
tone, and the Intendant arose and addressed himself to the young
citizen. "Now Clement," said he, "recollect yourself, what has happened
to you?" "Is not this the leader of the city militia at Nismes?" asked
the Marshal with contempt.

"Even so," replied the Lord of Basville, "he led the troop of
volunteers." "He seems to have lost the power of speech in his
expedition," said the Lord of Montrevel, laughing.

"They are behind us--they will be here directly," stammered out young
Clement.

"Who?" enquired the Marshal, who had resumed his seat.

"Cavalier and the Camisards!" cried the young man.

"Not so bad, not quite so bad as that," rejoined the priest, who seemed
more compo